Deputy Governor Of DKI Says Formula E Circuit Will Be Used Again For Events, But Not Motorcycle Racing

JAKARTA - Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Ahmad Riza Patria said that the Formula E circuit, namely the Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit (JIEC) in Ancol, North Jakarta, would again be used for various activities.

Previously, this circuit was used as the location of the Formula E race on June 4. Then, the circuit was again used for the Jakanaval event on August 14 last.

"Yesterday, the Formula E circuit was made permanent, of course other activities can be made according to their designation. So, Formula E in the future can be there, activities like Jakarnaval can be done. Maybe if there is a running event, it can also be done," said Riza at the DKI City Hall, Friday, August 19.

Riza emphasized that various activities can use the Formula E circuit as long as it does not have an impact on the asphalt construction and other facilities on the circuit.

Therefore. he continued, activities such as motorcycle races could not be held at the circuit which was previously a dumping ground for mud.

"Not all activities can be carried out on the circuit. For example, motorcycle racing activities cannot be there, it is dangerous. Except for straight tracks, it may be possible. So, there are rules that must be understood," he explained.

Regarding motorcycle racing, the Metro Jaya Police Chief, Inspector General Fadil Imran, admitted that he wanted to use the Formula E circuit as a stretch race location to facilitate illegal racers.

At that time, Fadil assessed that the Formula E circuit seemed comfortable to use for racing, including motorcycle racing. He hopes that this plan will be approved by the DKI Provincial Government and PT Jakpro as the BUMD that built the track.

"Hopefully Jakpro listens to this and is also approved by the provincial government. Because I see it's pretty good if the track that was in Formula E yesterday can be used," said Fadil, some time ago.

However, Fadil's wish was countered by the Chairman of the Formula E Jakarta Organizing Committee, Ahmad Sahroni. Sahroni appreciates Fadil's intention to use this permanently built circuit for street races.

However, Sahroni emphasized that the FIA homologation has made regulations for the circuit, if it is still used for the Formula E event the following year, then there should be no use of two-wheeled vehicle racing.

"For two-wheelers, we may not provide facilities because there has been an assessment from the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) that the circuit is only for four-wheeled vehicles," said Sahroni.

"There is a regulation from the FIA homologation, there is grade 3, which is indeed a circuit for four-wheeled vehicles. So, we do not apply two-wheeled to the circuit. So, this is for cars," he added.